Talking safety with Pioneer

Shay

Foulk: And it all comes down to this. Two on, two out, bottom of the ninth. The Farmers lead by one. Full count, here comes the play at the plate, and it's the Ag View Pitch! Welcome back everyone to another episode of the Ag View Pitch. You have Shay Foulk here today with Tracy Rodemeyer of Pioneer. How are you Tracy?

Traci

Rodemeyer: Good morning Shay, good thanks.

Shay

Foulk: Good, well hey, I want to say thank you first of all for taking the time to have the discussion here today. And I was wondering if you can just give a little background on, you know, what it is that you do with Pioneer, and we'll go into, you know, how that ties into the message that we're giving here today.

Traci

Rodemeyer: Absolutely. Um, well, so I work for Corteva Agriscience. I've been there for about 6 years now, and I'm on the marketing team there. And I'm really excited today to talk to you because one of the programs that I have the privilege of leading is our Grain Bin Safety Program, and all of the work that we're doing to educate farmers and first responders on proper grain bin entry procedures and training and all of the really great work that we're doing to make sure that our first responders are equipped with the proper tools and training that they need in the unfortunate case that we do have grain engulfment. So, great program that I'm privileged to lead and happy to talk to you about it today.

Shay

Foulk: Great. And as I understand it, you kind of have a big push towards it, you know, specifically this year. Can you talk about, you know, why is this such an important topic? And people might get tired of hearing this topic. They're like, we get it, we get it, you know, got to be safe in grain bins. But we're still seeing these accidents. So can you talk a little bit on, you know, as to why you guys identified this as, you know, an important campaign to run, but more importantly for the safety side of things for farm operations out there?

Traci

Rodemeyer: Absolutely. So about 2 years ago, Corteva Agriscience became a standalone ag company, and Pioneer is part of Corteva Agriscience, of course. And so as we became a company, we really wanted to, you know, sit down and determine what are our core values as a company and First and foremost, live safely really rose to the top, right? I mean, safety is an important part of our culture, our employees, our farmers. Just, it's very important for everybody to live safely, of course. So then, you know, we really wanted to think about how are we going to support that, how are we going to demonstrate that. And one of the things that we have really been watching is there's a program called Grain Bin Safety Week. It's actually managed by Nationwide Insurance.

But we started to see what they were doing in terms of awareness and education, and we also saw that they were donating green rescue tubes and equipment to rural fire departments across the country. So we really looked into that, and we thought, what a perfect, perfect way to demonstrate our core value of living safely. So last year in 2019, Corteva Agriscience, we worked with 21 different local fire departments, we donated the grain rescue equipment to them and the training to them. And what we saw is that our local communities and our farmers were really appreciative of that. You know, Shay, one of the things as I went through some of these trainings, we always would ask, the trainers would ask the teams, raise your hand if you know of someone or have heard of a story of a grain engulfment. And it always surprised me, So many hands would raise.

And it really, you know, this is a cause that really touches a lot of our farm communities and anybody. So anyway, it's just a great cause, a very important cause, and we're proud this year to continue our efforts. We're going to be donating about 15 more rescue tubes and training to rural fire departments. And again, it's all about that education.

Shay

Foulk: Now that's fantastic, and there's a couple things that I want to pick out of what you just said there. And one of the first ones, you know, the reason that we wanted to talk with Pioneer on this is because the safety that is built into the company is very evident everywhere they go. And there's so many seed companies and agribusiness and chemical companies out there that do a great job of this, but I think Pioneer is definitely, you know, one of them that is at the top of the line when it comes to this. And an important thing that you said that really caught my ear there, Tracy, is core values and how that's built into the company culture that you spoke of. And then what that means for the action items that you're actually putting into place. And so when I think of farm operations all over the country, a lot of them don't necessarily have core values.

They know, they know what they do, they know why they do it, but they haven't taken the time to identify those core values and truly live by them. And I think it's so important for farm operations that are, you know, either listening to this message or just anybody out there in general, take the time to identify what your core values are with your team, and hopefully safety is part of that. But even if it's not built in necessarily to your core values, how do your core values influence safety, right? Because as you mentioned, you know, one of those key phrases is live safely so that we can continue to do what it is that we want to do. Do you have any other comments on that?

Traci

Rodemeyer: I just love everything you just said because, you know, and I think of messages that we get from the highest of highest leadership that we have on the team, and we always start some of our big company-wide initiatives by telling a story of a core value, and our leaders are always telling us, "My job is to ensure that you make it home safely to your family and friends at the end of the day." And I just think that that speaks volumes for such a great company, it's so important that safety is the number one priority on the top of your mind. No matter whatever you do in your day, you want to return home at the end of the day safely.

Shay

Foulk: Great point. One other thing that I want to make a comment on here is, uh, you know, with grain bin safety, looking specifically at grain entrapment, you mentioned the rescue tubes. There's a lot going on on the farm this time of year that isn't necessarily dealing with grain bins but is in that same subject of confined spaces. And I know with, you know, not only Pioneer on the production side, but also Pioneer dealerships and, and farmer dealers all across the country, is you have things from sprayer tanks to seed bins to seed treaters. And on top of that, you know, there's a lot of farmers right now that even though prices aren't great, they have delivery contracts set for this time of year. To where they are going to be moving grain.

And so, you know, we see some of these messages go on primarily around fall and harvest time, but I think it's crucial, you know, looking at what Pioneer's doing there, of making this a year-long message. And like I said at the beginning, so many people, you know, are like, we get it on the grain bin safety, you know, it's not something that we're, that we're going to forget anytime soon. But a lot of times, it'll take, you know, 7 to 20 times of hearing the same message for it to really stick. And what we don't want to happen is it taking an accident in order for someone to take action and to take charge when it comes to grain bin safety.

Traci

Rodemeyer: Absolutely. And if I could just take the second, you know, you mentioned those powerful messages. Here's a powerful message that really kind of just opened my eyes to this. The significance of the situation. In 2019, the last year, there were 38 grain entrapment cases, but that represents a 27% increase in entrapment cases from 2018. So the last year we saw the highest number of entrapments that we've seen in 4 years. And why this is so important is because, let's think about this year now. It's projected to be another really risky year for grain bin accidents because, think of the late harvest we had last year. Combined with a high moisture content of the grain going into the bin, and that's going to cause crusted grain. So all of the experts are saying that we might see another really bad year for grain entrapments because of all of those combinations of issues.

And that's why the method is so, so important. You know, don't get in the bin unless you have to, and if you have to, you make sure you're taking the precautions to be as safe as you can be.

Shay

Foulk: Absolutely. And I'm going to make a few other points here, Tracy, and I know, you Specifically, we wanted to have this conversation based around grain bin safety, but also looking at some of the other safety issues going on here this time of year. So I'm going to list off a few things, and if you have any, any comments here at the end, I'd love to hear some feedback. But some other things that we want listeners to consider right now is, you know, on-the-road movements. And I think Pioneer— I had worked for Pioneer a number of years ago, and one thing that I thought they did really well was stress the safety of vehicles and the amount of miles that employees and farmers are putting on their vehicles throughout the year in order to make these important operations happen, in order to get the seed in the ground and get the spraying and everything else.

So, you know, just being aware of the slow-moving vehicles on the road, making sure that you have coordinated field movements. I worked with a team that was putting in, you know, product knowledge plots all over the region. And one thing that they did very, very well was plan exactly where they were going next, looked at the coordination of pickup time and safe movement. And those really translate into everyday life of if you're taking the sprayer or the planter or the seed tender down to the next field, how do you take the safest route? How do you get everybody there safely? And then, you know, what does that look like on a, on a big picture? So On top of that, with that, you know, on-the-road movement, I think hands-free devices or just pulling over to take a call.

I know some of us are on the phone, you know, 18 out of 16 hours in the day that we're awake, but, you know, if it's important and it's something that you're not going to be able to focus on your driving, I think that's just a crucial point of ensuring your safety there on the road. Any comments on that, Tracy?

Traci

Rodemeyer: Well, you're right. You know, one of the things that they stress, I mean, from a company perspective, We are obviously not allowed to really even touch our phones while we're driving. I mean, and they really ingrain that message in us. You know, it's so easy to grab your phone and send a quick text, "Hey, I'm on my way." Don't do it. It's not worth the risk. So definitely, you know, the hands-free devices or just, just pull over. It's not worth the risk.

Shay

Foulk: Absolutely. The next point that I wanted to make here is looking at the number of kids that are on the farm operation right now. You know, I know Iowa and Illinois for sure, the kids are not going back to school here the rest of this year. Found that out, you know, towards the end of last week. And, you know, maybe parents everywhere were kind of groaning of having to deal with that. And there's, there's a lot of things going on. But it's a great time for kids to be on the farm operation and learning in a safe manner. But at the same time, there's so many moving pieces going on. Like I mentioned, you got forklifts and seed tenders and planters and semis and tractors and delivery trucks and everything else going in and out of the facilities. So not only knowing where the kids are at all times, which I know sounds difficult, but just having an idea of where they are.

And then also knowing that, you know, they should feel comfortable asking questions when it comes to safety, knowing where they can and cannot be in the farm operation. And then how that, how that looks and understanding the fact that we're not trying to restrict what they're doing or the learning that they have on the farm operation. At the end of the day, we just want to keep them safe and protect the most important asset on the farm, and that's the farm and the farm family. And I don't— my wife and I don't have kids right now, but knowing so many people and so many of the farm operations that we work with and operate with, I think it's so important just to have that discussion with the kids and help them understand that concept. Do you have any thoughts on that, Tracy?

Traci

Rodemeyer: I just smile because my 8-year-old daughter loves to go with my husband to the farm, the family farm, and I love that they do that. But usually the last two words I tell my husband, I look him in the eye and say, "Be present." And he knows what that means. That means, you know, I know a million things are going to be going through your head while you're on the farm. Be present and make sure that you're present with our daughter to ensure that she's safe. So, I agree with everything you said.

Shay

Foulk: And that's an awesome message. You know, I think, I think we'll end it right there. I kind of like that note of being present. We just encourage everybody out there that, you know, as you have things going on, take time. You know, and it's something that I learned through the military as well. It's not necessarily that you have to take your time. It doesn't have to be something that's slow. Take the time. Just take the time that is necessary to ensure that you're doing things safely in the spring season. That you're looking out for the kids, you're looking out for the family team members and ensuring that, you know, we all get through this safely. Tracy, thank you so much for the conversation here today, especially surrounding grain bin safety. I appreciate you taking the time on that.

Traci

Rodemeyer: Such a great, important message, Jay. Thanks for helping spread it.

Shay

Foulk: And, you know, of course we want to thank Corteva and Pioneer for all that they're doing for helping to sponsor this message as we push safety here into the spring. If you need anything from us here at Ag View Solutions, you can feel free to reach out to Chris or I. Uh, Chris's number is 319-533-5703, and my number is 319-464-5708. Thank you everyone for tuning in to another episode of the Ag View Pitch, and we will catch you next time. Thanks for joining us on today's episode of the Ag View Pitch. As always, you can reach out to us at cbarron@agviewsolutions.com or duanel@netins.net. We'll catch you next time on the EggView Pitch.